LTTE releases captives
[October 18, 2004 - 10.00 GMT] 

The two home guards that were captured and held for a month were released by the LTTE, their captors yesterday evening.

At the request of President Chandrika Kumaratunga her Secretary Mr. W.J.S. Karunaratne, Minister Maithripala Sirisena and Law and Order Ministry Secretary Tilak Ranaviraja were at Sampur in Eastern Sri Lanka to receive the captives.

President Kumaratunga spoke to the two men over the phone shortly after their release and wished them well. President requested them to do their duty without fear or favour. She assured Sarath Bandara and Chandana Piyasiri that the Government would help them rebuild their houses.

Earlier yesterday the two home guards were handed over to SLMM and Red Cross officials by the LTTE; they were later brought to the Trincomalee Navy camp where a simple ceremony was held to welcome them.

The Secretary of the North - East Sinhala Association Mr. Bandara, said he was disappointed with the Government's efforts to secure the release of the two guards and claimed the hartals and protests by his Association led by its Chief patron the Venerable Dehiowita Piyatissa Thera had resulted in their freedom.

In late September President Kumaratunga directed two cabinet Ministers and officials to visit Trincomalee to meet the relatives of these home guards. The President issued her directive from New York, where she was at to attend the UNGA.

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Last Updated Date: October 18, 2004  - 10.00 GMT.